Thieves have stolen a two female monkeys from the Cotswold Wildlife Park in Burford, west Oxfordshire.

Police said the two Squirrel Monkeys — one is the mother of a baby currently being hand-reared at the park — were taken from an enclosure between 5.30pm yesterday and 7am today.

Both are security tagged with microchips.

Police are currently assessing CCTV footage from the park.

PC Simon Towers, Thames Valley Police wildlife officer, said: “This is a highly unusual crime: there has not been a similar theft of a monkey nationally since 2006.

“We are very concerned about their welfare — they have a highly specialised diet and would severely traumatised by the experience, so we need to recover them as soon as possible.

“If anyone saw any suspicious vehicles or people in the vicinity of the park, which is accessed from the A361 south of Burford, then please let us know.

“I would also like to advise the public that while they might be cute-looking animals, they are wild, may be frightened and could easily bite someone. If you do see them, do not attempt to approach them, but contact the police immediately or the park directly on 01993 823 006.”

Anyone with information should contact police on 08458 505505 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.